Hammer explores how the decisions of one member of a family can impact the rest. The Davis family sees this firsthand after their oldest son Chris (Mark O’Brien) has engaged in some questionable activities. It seems like history is repeating itself for Chris when he is involved in a botched drug deal. Chris is getting into some shady business with two of his old friends Lori (Dayle McLeod) and Adams (Ben Cotton). Lori and Adams have known Chris for quite some time and have gone down a bad path themselves. Adams has been to prison in the past and has pledged not to go back. When the drug deal turns ugly, Lori and Adams end up shot and Chris flees the scene with the money. Chris decides to stash some things in a local corn field, with plans to return once the coast is clear.
Hammer begins by highlighting the dichotomy in Chris and Stephen’s lives, with Writer/director Christian Sparkes contrasting them against each other. Everything from the camera shots, colors of the scenery, to the relaxing music is calm and collected when showing Stephen. As Chris pulls Stephen into his hectic world and Stephen is forced to do unthinkable things, these items begin to become more and more similar.
Sparkes tells a coherent tale weaving multiple story lines and characters together. He does not need to resort to over-the-top violence or action as many modern thrillers feel the need to. Hammer is driven by its script and the acting of its leads. While there are lots of positive things to say about Hammer, the film does have issues. Most notably being how Chris and Stephen blatantly break the law numerous times in broad daylight. I was left wondering how they could be so obvious and brazen. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures and Chris and Stephen sure are desperate. Hammer is an entertaining thriller/drama, but not one I expect to have any true staying power. It is an enjoyable film, but the truly memorable moments or scenes just aren’t there. Hammer is certainly worth a watch, but it will most likely be one and done for most.